Movie-goers eager to combine dining and craft brewed beer with their cinematic experience should know in "several days" when the Flix Brewhouse will open at Merle Hay Mall.

The company said it is likely to announce its opening date next week.

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Greg Johnson, a spokesman for the Austin based, company told KCCI news Wednesday the Merle Hay Flix will open in mid-December.

"Before Christmas," said Johnson. He would not reveal the specific date for the opening, but did say the eight screen complex will have a "staged opening" meaning perhaps a few of the theaters will open initially and the others would follow soon after.

"We will have beer and food," said Johnson.

Flix Brewhouse is already promoting the Merle Hay complex on its website. Made in Iowa Mondays will offer $3 pints of Iowa-brewed beers.

As for when the on-site brewing operations will be up and running, Johnson was confident, but added "Some beers take a lot longer than others." This week, the company has been hosting a job fair for potential workers.

The only other Flix operation is in Round Rock Texas, north of Austin. The Austin menu ranges from "Spicy Fried Pickles" for a starter to pizza, burgers and entrees like Ravioli Bolognese.

Johnson said the Des Moines menu will be mostly the same with some "regional additions." The movies are all first-run releases.

In February of 2013, managers at Merle Hay trumpeted the announcement of Flix's intentions to build on the south side of the 50 year old mall.

Since then, construction has been watched by the thousands of shoppers who have wandered through the west section of the mall, as well as thousands more driving by on Douglas Avenue.